Burkina Faso’s Health Resilience: WHO’s 2024–2025 Report Details Major Advancements and Access to Care
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2024–2025 Biennial Report for Burkina Faso provides a detailed account of significant achievements. These successes were realized amidst a challenging landscape, characterized by persistent security, humanitarian, and climatic difficulties.
A standout accomplishment documented is the nationwide scaling up of the anti-malaria vaccine across all 70 health districts. This represents a crucial stride in preventing malaria and safeguarding children’s health. Furthermore, the report highlights the implementation of the WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions (WHO PEN) in six health districts, which has enhanced the integrated management of non-communicable diseases at the primary healthcare level.
Another significant regulatory development during this two-year period was the enactment of an anti-tobacco decree. This legislation prohibits smoking in public spaces and on public transportation, underscoring the nation’s commitment to promoting public health and mitigating avoidable risk factors.
WHO-supported initiatives aimed at combating malaria have consistently yielded widespread impact. Over 5 million children received seasonal malaria chemoprevention, and approximately 15 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets were distributed nationwide, significantly boosting protection.
In vulnerable and hard-to-reach areas, the WHO played a vital role in maintaining essential health services. This was achieved through the establishment of advanced health posts and mobile clinics, alongside the delivery of 58 tons of crucial medicines and medical equipment to benefit at-risk communities.
The report further highlights foundational advancements within health information systems. Notably, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) was implemented in four reference hospitals. This represents a pivotal step towards enhancing data quality, improving mortality surveillance, and supporting evidence-based decision-making.
These outcomes collectively underscore Burkina Faso’s significant progress in strengthening its health system resilience, bolstering service delivery, and safeguarding its population. They also delineate strategic priorities that will require continued focus in upcoming programmatic cycles.
